Zac Stacy Impresses, Rams Beat Jaguars 34-20,

Many Rams fans saw this game against the Jaguars being a trap game, and many experts saw this as being the Jaguars’ best chance to win this season. That would not be the case however as the Rams got back on track to beat the Jaguars 34-20 and improve to 2-3.

After last week against the 49ers, many Rams fans were nervous coming into the Jacksonville game this week, and many were even more nervous after the Rams fell behind 7-0. The Rams got back on track however, after a Matt Giordano pick six tied the game at seven. The Jaguars would go up 10-7, but the Rams then scored 17 unanswered points.

The Rams came in to today’s game with one of the worst rushing attacks in the NFL on offense, and to switch things up they gave the nod to rookie Zac Stacy with Daryl Richardson being the third down, change of pace back.

When Steven Jackson left he took the physical aspect of the Rams offense. Stacy had 14 carries for 78 yards, the most by any Rams running back this season. Stacy brought that physical part of the Rams offense back sometimes plowing through defenders and pushing the pile for extra yards.

Richardson had one of his best days this season as well. The combination of Richardson and Stacy could become a good one. Granted they did play against the worst running defense, but still the Rams have been struggling to run the ball and they may have found a combo that works. Rams are still the only team without a rushing touchdown this season however.

The Rams run defense also played better today as they avoided getting steamrolled on the ground. The Rams have allowed their last two opponents to rack up yards on the ground but that was not the case today as they held Maurice Jones-Drew to only 70 yards. Not only did the Rams stop the run, but they forced 3 turnovers and which lead to 14 points.

Even when the Rams were down, you just had a feeling at some point the Jaguars were going to be the Jaguars, and that’s exactly what happened. Gabbert threw a pass that flew 6 feet over the intended receivers head that turned out to be an interception, and then Darian Stewart and Alec Ogletree forced a fumble which turned into a Lance Kendricks touchdown. Finally right before the end of the half Sam Bradford found Austin Pettis for one of his two touchdown’s on the day.

The Rams were up 24-10 headed into the half and you could tell the play calling got a little conservative at the beginning of the second half. Luckily for the Rams the Jaguars could not take advantage and the only time they tried the Rams defense denied them with a James Laurinaitis interception on 4th and goal.

Both teams exchanged field goals making the score 27-13 and finally the Jaguars would make things interesting, by making it a one score game. With Chad Henne as quarterback the Jaguars drove down the field and scored on a Cecil Short touchdown touchdown reception.

The Rams offense had to get points on the board now to put the game away and that’s exactly what they would do. The Rams took five minutes off the clock and then finally Sam Bradford found Austin Pettis on a 31 yard touchdown pass to make it a two score game. The Rams defense would force the Jaguars to a turnover on down and then the Rams would just run the clock out to seal the victory.

Sam Bradford didnt have the best statistical day of his career, but he did enough to lead the Rams to victory. Bradford finished 19/34 with 222 yards and three touchdowns. Austin Pettis lead the team in receiving yards with 49 and two touchdowns. On defense Laurinaitis lead the team with 6 tackles and then the defense as a group forced three fumbles, recovering one.

For the Jaguars Blaine Gabbert went 9/19 for 181, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Blackmon lead the team in receiving yards with 136 yards and a touchdown. On defense Cyprien lead the team in tackles with 12.

Injury wise for the Rams, the secondary got even slimmer, if that was even possible. Rodney McLeod left the game and did not return. Zac Stacy also left the game late in the 4th quarter, but coaches said it was nothing serious and had they needed him he could have gone.

The Rams may have won the game, and this is a game that they needed. The Rams needed to get back into the win column and find their run game along the way which they did. Playcalling and special teams penalties continue to be a problem, but at some point we can hope the Rams will fix those things. For now though Rams fans enjoy your week, because the Rams are 2-3 and got a win this week.